Specific Truck Accident Situations

Specific Truck Accident Situations

Multiple Potentially At-Fault Parties

Typically when you are in a truck accident there are more parties involved than just the driver. Depending on the situation that led to the accident you could have to sue the driver, the manufacturer of the truck, the transport company, or even the maintenance provider. Unless the truck driver was acting irresponsibly on the road, they may not be responsible for the accident.

Instead, it could be their parent company, the people that loaded the cargo, or even the mechanics of the truck. All these factors can make it harder for you to file a case. If you have been in a truck accident, our Memphis, TN truck accident lawyer can help you investigate the full scope of negligence and fault.

The Danger of Cargo

A truck is already dangerous due to its size but it isn’t the only danger out there. The cargo those trucks are carrying can be dangerous by itself. There is always a slight chance that that cargo wasn’t loaded properly or it wasn’t secured correctly before the truck left on its route. This can make things dangerous as loose cargo can make accidents more severe.

Things get worse if the cargo is hazardous or contains caustic chemicals. This can influence the damage done in the accident and you may be entitled to additional settlements for it.

If you or a loved one have been in a truck accident then talking to a truck accident lawyer in Memphis, TN is in your best interest.

Work-Related Truck Accidents

If you were either driving a truck for work or were otherwise engaged in work-related activities at the time of your crash, it is important to speak with a truck accident lawyer Memphis, TN motorists trust about your legal options. Depending upon the circumstances surrounding your crash and your work status, you may be in a position to pursue more than one kind of compensation at this time.

Most full-time and part-time employees of all but the smallest companies are entitled to workers’ compensation coverage. Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. This means that even if your accident was totally your fault, you likely remain entitled to collect benefits as a result of your injuries. The three major exceptions to this general rule involve accidents that were caused by intoxicated or otherwise impaired workers, intentional collisions, and crashes resulting from workers who had instigated road rage incidents. Otherwise, even if an accident was partially or totally your fault, you should still be able to collect these benefits.

If your crash was work-related and anyone other than your employer may be held legally and financially liable for contributing to the cause(s) of your collision, you may also be in a position to file a personal injury lawsuit. Workers’ compensation beneficiaries are only barred from suing their employers for personal injury damages—any other party may still be named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit even if the injured party has received a workers’ comp settlement.

If You Were Partially At-Fault

With that said, it is important to communicate with an experienced Memphis, TN truck accident lawyer if you believe that you may have been partially to blame for your accident. Tennessee recognizes a comparative negligence theory of liability. This means that as long as you were not 50 percent or more to blame for the harm you have suffered, you remain entitled to seek compensation from others who contributed to the cause(s) of your crash. Depending upon the severity of the harm you have suffered, the compensation you may be owed could be considerable.

Losing a Loved One to a Truck Accident

If you have lost a loved one as the result of a fatal accident involving a large truck, you may be entitled to one or more kinds of compensation at this time. An experienced Memphis, TN truck accident lawyer can clarify whether you are in a position to file a wrongful death lawsuit and/or claim workers’ compensation death benefits.

When a victim does not survive their injuries, their family can pursue a wrongful death claim against the liable party. Damages not only include some of the expenses of the accident mentioned above, but also specific damages for the family, such as emotional anguish, loss of the victim’s love and guidance, and loss of the victim’s financial support.

Contact Our Memphis Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including distracted driving, driver error, drowsy driving, defective truck parts, and overweight or improperly loaded trucks. During your initial consultation with a member of our team, do not hesitate to voice your questions and concerns. A good truck accident lawyer is more than happy to address your concerns and questions and make you feel as comfortable as possible.

When a commercial truck slams into a passenger vehicle, the injuries and damage can be devastating to a family. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we have been representing victims of truck accidents for years, and have seen the catastrophic injuries many victims suffer. We have also helped numerous families whose loved ones did not survive their injuries in getting justice for that heartbreaking loss.

Contact Patterson Bray today at (901) 372-5003, and rest assured that a Tennessee truck accident lawyer can be the one to represent you in seeking damages for the pain and loss you have suffered.